What is the Secret to Ageing Gracefully?

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I remember the wifey asking me what will I blog about once the monkies have all grown up and perhaps will find their own group of friends to hang out with. I replied that since my readers who will have also naturally progressed along as their kids grow up, I should review stuff like nursing homes, walking sticks, wheelchairs, and even adult diapers. 

Sounds pretty depressing, no?

Well, as I found out, things are not as bleak as they seem. Because according to a new study, 70% of Singaporeans over the age of 50 believe that a positive attitude is key to feeling younger, while laughing is the best anti-ageing medicine. In fact, they generally feel five years younger than than actual age!

Commissioned by leading healthcare company GSK via a face-to-face survey of 150 Singaporeans, the Inner Age Index provides new insight on Singaporean attitudes towards growing older as our nation faces a shrinking and ageing population. The study explores the concept of "inner age" - how old someone perceive themselves to be as compared to how old they actually are - and how ageing is perceived through a Singaporean lens.

And judging from these Singaporeans aged over 50 that I had the opportunity to come in contact with, I would say ageing gracefully is here to stay.

Do not call the ladies in the photo above old aunties, for I am certain they can sashay much better than most of us! They are from Ageless Theatre, a non-profit theatre interest group for seniors based at the Marine Parade Community Club, and are all passionate about acting and theatre works.

Indeed, the Inner Age Index had found that 75% of older Singaporeans like to stay socially active while 64% believe that being over 50 means they have finally found the time to realise passions, such as socialising with friends, travelling, playing sports and exercising. Simply because realising passions are key to a younger “inner age”!

Just ask Mr. Loh Men Kuan, founder of Happy Table Tennis.

Set up 10 years ago by Mr. Loh, a former businessman, Happy Table Tennis gives Singaporeans over 50 the opportunity to develop their skills and passions in an active environment that foster a positive ageing experience. He believes that nobody is too old to pick up table tennis and after watching him in action, I fully agree.

Can you guess how old Mr. Loh is? 65 years old! It just goes to show that in addition to keeping an active lifestyle, a positive mentality is the key to feeling younger. Which nine in 10 Singaporeans aged over 50 in the survey fully agreed as well. In fact, those with a younger inner age were also more likely to report they are living life to the full (85%), and feel more fulfilled now than ever before (72%).

In addition, many Singaporeans over the age of 50 years report feeling good about their appearance with 81% stating that they like to look their best and 74%  feeling proud to reveal their real age.

All well and good.... which begs the question - what is MY Inner Age???? I was dying to find out so I took the survey questions and this was what I got.

I shaved 7 years off my actual age! I guess being around 3 hyper monkies everyday played a part...even though they drive me crazy at times!

But I guess at the end of the day, after all the talk about the medical and social implications of a greying population, a positive attitude towards ageing goes a long way as well. By taking the opportunity to pursue long-held passions and leading a fulfilled lifestyle, Singaporeans over the age of 50 will be able to do more, feel better and live longer.

Interested to take the survey to reveal your Inner Age? Find out yours at www.actyourinnerage.com.sg!